New York-New Jersey English

The variety of the English language spoken in the New York City and North Jersey region is often considered to be one of the most recognizable accents within American English.

The Jersey Shore and Cape May Accent

The present accent of the Jersey Shore is heavily influenced by that of North Jersey, from which it was principally settled. However, prior to the influence of the tourism industry on the area, the situation was different.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was first a Dutch town, which is still reflected in the Dutch names of some local businesses and streets. The only road to Cape May was from Philadelphia, so Philadelphia English mixed in with the Dutch. The Cape May accent is fading away now; people are moving away from Cape May and businesses are closing. New people are moving in with ordinary northern New Jersey accents. Within years the accent will disappear.

Related Topics:
Dutch - Philadelphia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~